Pauline (Paula) McQuown

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19 January, 2011 - 12:24

Article Date:

19 January, 2011 - 05:59

Pauline (Paula) Rogers McQuown --radio and television pioneer, prize-winning writer, ardent traveler, voracious reader, lover of the out-of-doors, a true Renaissance woman-- passed away on January 6 in San Francisco, California. Born in Morgan, Utah, to Thelma Dickson and Curtis William Rogers, she is survived by her daughter, Eloise, San Francisco; her sisters, Marjorie Rogers Tueller (Jack) Bountiful, Utah; Florence Rogers Sowell (Wesley), Pocatello, Idaho; Sherolyn Rogers Jenkins (Larry) Morgan, Utah; and brother Bernell D. Rogers (Marjorie) of Torrance, California plus in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklyn King McQuown; her sister, Kathryn Rogers Whittier (Robert); and her parents Thelma and Curtis Rogers.
A lover of life and intellectual pursuits, Paula was named Valedictorian of her graduating class at Weber College, where she excelled in literary matters. She graduated with highest honors from the University of Utah where she was elected to the scholastic honor societies, PHI BETA KAPPA and PHI KAPPA PHI.
Long before women were accepted into the media, Paula produced her own radio program, telling childrens’ stories on the air as the “Fairy Princess.” She reached a large audience, some of which still exists today. Way ahead of her time, she developed her own jazz radio show, playing records and “jamming” with her enthusiastic listeners. She worked at radio and television stations in Ogden, Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
Paula was an avid photographer and gifted writer who chronicled her adventures, as well as those of family and friends, on film and in print. She was also a devotee of motion pictures, attending the “Sundance Film Festival” in Park City and journeying to the south of France for the “Cannes Film Festival.”
Born with a natural curiosity, she and her daughter traveled widely in the U.S., Canada, British Isles, Europe, and Scandinavia. Especially did Paula embrace the vibrant cultural life in New York City and San Francisco and traveled to both cities often to enjoy the theater, dance, art and music. She, herself, was a gifted musician, playing both the piano and saxophone. In addition to her multiple talents, she maintained a strong interest in current events and politics throughout her life.
Funeral services will be held, Saturday, January 22, 12 noon, Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple St., SLC with a visitation Sat. 10:30am to noon. Burial: Morgan Utah. Contributions are suggested to your favorite charity.